Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is a hearty and nourishing meal that combines the comfort of tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and tiny orzo pasta in a rich tomato-infused broth. It’s a cozy, flavorful soup perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or anytime you need a quick yet satisfying dinner. With a light herb finish and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish brings a rustic charm that makes it both homey and refined.

The simplicity of this soup doesn’t take away from its depth of flavor. Carrots, garlic, and onions provide a savory base, while oregano and red pepper flakes add warmth and spice. The orzo gives it just the right amount of body without making it overly heavy, and the bright tomato broth pulls everything together. Whether you’re feeding a family or freezing it for later, Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Simplicity

Everything comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Balanced and Filling

Protein from chicken, fiber-rich veggies, and orzo pasta make it a complete meal.

Big Flavor, Minimal Effort

A few pantry staples transform into a deeply flavorful broth.

Family Friendly

Mild enough for kids, yet flavorful for adults with the option to spice it up.

Great for Leftovers

Even better the next day and ideal for meal prepping or freezing.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Boneless skinless chicken breasts

Kosher salt
Ground pepper
Yellow onion

Carrots
Garlic
Ground oregano

Red pepper flakes
Crushed tomatoes
Chicken broth

Orzo pasta
Flat-leaf parsley
Basil leaves

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Variations

Swap the Pasta

Use ditalini, small shells, or even cooked rice instead of orzo.

Go Vegetarian

Omit chicken and add chickpeas or white beans for protein.

Use Leftover Chicken

Rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken speeds up prep.

Add More Greens

Stir in spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.

Make It Creamy

Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper and cook until golden and just cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 2

Add remaining oil, onion, and carrots to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5

Stir in orzo pasta and cook uncovered until tender, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Return cooked chicken to the pot and simmer until heated through.

Step 7

Stir in chopped parsley and basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut vegetables evenly for consistent texture.

Use low-sodium broth to better control salt levels.
Stir orzo regularly to keep it from sticking to the bottom.
Let the soup rest a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.

For a thinner broth, add extra chicken stock as needed.

How to Serve

Serve hot in large bowls with fresh Parmesan cheese and crusty bread or a side salad. A squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil can enhance the final flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The orzo will absorb more broth, so you may need to thin it out with additional stock or water.

Freezing

Freeze without the orzo for best texture. Add freshly cooked orzo when reheating.

Reheating

Warm over medium heat on the stovetop or microwave individual portions. Add extra broth to loosen consistency as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great time-saver. Just add it toward the end to warm through.

2. Does the orzo need to be cooked separately?

No, it cooks directly in the soup and absorbs the flavor of the broth.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, but cook the orzo separately and stir it in before serving to avoid overcooking.

4. Is this soup spicy?

It’s mildly spicy. Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste.

5. What can I use instead of orzo?

Try cooked rice, small pasta, or even lentils for a hearty twist.

6. Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, peel and crush them first, or roast for a deeper flavor.

7. Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, though it’s best to freeze before adding the orzo.

8. Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely—they’ll add more flavor and stay juicier than breasts.

9. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, simply skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

10. Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely—zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers would all work well.

Conclusion

Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is a cozy, one-pot meal loaded with comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients. Its rich tomato broth, tender chicken, and hearty orzo make it a standout dish that’s both simple to prepare and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning your weekly meals, this soup brings satisfaction and warmth to the table with every bowl.